Richard Hills has never won the Epsom Derby, unlike his elder twin-brother, Michael (eight minutes!) but is hopeful Yaseer might just plug a gap in his CV next month. Yaseer is one of six declarations for the group two Dante Stakes, over an extended ten furlongs of York today and if he's progressed during the last month, could well upset a clutch of strongly-fancied runners from major yards. Carlton House, owned by The Queen, is trained by Sir Michael Stoute, once-raced World Domination represents Henry Cecil and Aidan O'Brien has booked French-based Belgian Christophe Soumillon. Swords are drawn for battle and this will have a direct bearing on the major classic, three weeks Saturday.
Thirty-three years ago, Shirley Heights won it and immediately afterwards asked winning jockey, the late, great Greville Starkey, 'is he the class for the Derby?' 'Yes, definitely!" he replied. You know what happened three weeks thence? He beat my selection Hawaiian Sound, thus denying me a two-seater Mercedes! Seville comes out best, judged on his second to Casamento in the group one 'Racing Post' last October, but hasn't raced since, whereas Yaseer showed a deal of promise by finishing third to Native Khan in the 'Craven,' down the Rowley Mile last month. That effort puts Marcus Tregoning's charge right in the mix and believe me, considerable improvement is expected because mentally and physically, he was said to need the race.
Neither Carlton House nor World Domination can be backed by time-handicappers such as myself. They will need to 'come on a ton', along with the 'rags' Pisco Sour and Ashva, which means that Richard might just have a spring in his step this evening. Only last week, Richard mentioned finding "one good horse...!" let's hope this is it, eh? Barry Hills must reckon Tasheyaat a 'cert' for the Maiden Fillies' Stakes over ten furlongs of Salisbury.
The veteran Lambourn trainer wanted owner Hamdan Al Maktoum to declare for the group three 'Musidora' at York! Amazingly, his idea was obviously rejected, reckoned unrealistic, tilting at windmills but it's beneficial because we can back this twice-raced, Sakhee filly in the knowledge she is way superior to eleven rivals, none of which has any chance on my time-handicap. Tahdg O'Shea rides because 'number one' Richard Hills goes North. O'Shea isn't getting the credit he deserves. He was positive and professional aboard all-the-way winner Taqaat around Beverley, earlier this week. Hopefully, he'll be allowed to take this 'penalty-kick' with similar sure-footedness! Get on!
SELECTIONS
RACE 5 (#6) YASEER (e.w.)
RACE 6 (#6) PITT RIVERS (e.w.)
RACE 11 (#7) NIGHT CARNATION
RACE 15 (#11) TASHEYAAT